Impaler/Exciter/Manowar/Hammerfall/Raven

[tedvanfrehley]

I was watching my vhs copy of the movie "TRICK OR TREAT" last night. (A bootleg sent to me by one who will remain nameless, but is, in fact, a great American) The movie is a little cheezy, but entertaining, nonetheless. Here's my point...the dude in the movie, Ragman, has his room covered in posters and his mom finds albums by these groups and just about soils her linens.
IMPALER
EXCITER
MANOWAR
HAMMERFALL
RAVEN
I have heard of all these guys but not really heard them. Are any of these guys really that good and worth searching out on ebay?!?! Or new in stores, of course.
Let me know as I am burnt out on current music and dying to find some good old school metal a la Mercyful Fate.
The new MAIDEN album is great, though.
Ted

 

[Psychonaut]

Hmm. I think Hammerfall is overrated (Joacim is like the Swedish version of Lars Ulrich). Legacy Of Kings is good, though.

I liked Exciter back in the day. Not a bad band at all.

Manowar id hit or miss for me. When I listen to them, I just kind of pick and choose songs. I do like their heavier stuff quite a bit, though.

The other two I haven't really heard enough to comment.